News

Restoration Hardware plans to open full line design galleries in Greenwich, Atlanta and Los Angeles in 2014, and is currently in negotiations to open more than 30 locations in other key markets. The next generation full line design galleries will be larger and showcase the company’s assortment and new businesses.

Oak Brook, Ill. - McDonald's Corporation reported increased same-store sales in all but one segment during August 2013. Same-store sales increased 0.2% in the U.S. compared to the same month in the previous year, and also grew 3.3% in Europe and 1.9% globally.

However, same-store sales in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMPEA) declined 0.5%. McDonald’s cited negative sales results in Japan and China, partially offset by positive results in many other markets and the shift in timing of Ramadan. Systemwide sales improved 2.8%.

SPARKS, Md. — McCormick is appealing to football fans who enjoy tailgating, and identified the Top 10 Tastiest Tailgate cities in the U.S. to promote its Grill Mates seasoning.

In a joint venture with Bert Sperling, a leading "Best Places" researcher, McCormick Grill Mates analyzed 31 cities in the U.S. with professional football teams to identify the Top 10 in the country.

Boston -- Restructuring and investment firm Gordon Brothers Group has acquired oil and gas appraisal company Appraisal Systems, and will use the acquisition to propel the launch of GB Energy Partners.
 
GB Energy Partners combines the energy expertise of Gordon Brothers Group, Emerald Technology Valuations and ASI into one comprehensive appraisal and disposition platform.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart has launched a low-cost check-cashing service for Shop Your Way members at stores nationwide. 

Los Angeles -- Grocery chain Fresh & Easy confirmed reports that its British parent Tesco LLC has sold the brand to private equity firm The Yucaipa Cos., following months of uncertainty about the 200+-unit chain’s future.

Fresh & Easy posted on its website Tuesday that more than 4,000 jobs would be saved under the purchase agreement but that some stores will be closing.  Specific stores have not been identified, and the terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.

Fumbi Chima, Walmart VP of global technology services and strategic partnerships, has been elected to the World Affairs Council-Washington, D.C., board of directors.

Chima is responsible for Walmart’s vendor management office, project management office and its global technology services office in India, as well as the IT asset management team.

Boise, Idaho – Albertson’s Supermarkets has agreed to purchase grocery store and c-store operator The United Family. Terms of the transaction have not been released.